The governing National Democratic Congress has confirmed its participation in the Akwatia by-election slated for September 2, 2025, in the Eastern Region.
In a statement signed by Deputy National Communications Officer Godwin Ako Gunn, the party criticised the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) recent decision not to take part in the Tamale Central by-election, describing it as “a calculated move to avoid defeat and court public sympathy” ahead of the Akwatia polls.
“This is not the first time that a political party has refused to contest in a by-election. The NDC refused to contest in Ejisu after the demise of John Kumah.
We also want to put on record that the Akwatia seat was in court and was not conclusive until the unfortunate demise of our brother Ernest Kumi,” the statement said.
Mr Gunn urged the public to treat the NPP’s announcements with caution, pointing to previous occasions when the ruling party had reversed its stance.
“In the Ablekumah North rerun, the NPP declared that they were not contesting, but in fact, they were the first to hit the ground,” he recalled.
The NDC extended its condolences to the family of the late Ernest Kumi, whose passing triggered the upcoming by-election, and to the relatives of the eight military and government officials who died in a recent helicopter crash.
Describing them as the “gallant eight heroes”, Mr Gunn called for restraint among party members during this period of national mourning. “Let us be mindful of our comments in this time of mourning,” he appealed.
In a statement issued on Monday, August 11, and signed by the party’s General Secretary, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) announced it would not contest the Tamale Central by-election, citing its decision as a gesture to honour the memory of the late Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, who died in last Wednesday’s helicopter crash.
